MAYOR DESTEFANO AND THE NEW HAVEN HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARN RESIDENTS OF THE HEALTH RISKS OF EXTREME HEAT TEMPERATURES

(6/9/2011) (NEW HAVEN) — The following is Educational Information and Tips from the Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. and the New Haven Health Department regarding the health risks of extreme heat

What You Should Know About Heat-Related Illness?

Normally, the body has ways of keeping itself cool: by letting heat escape through the skin and by evaporating sweat. If the body does not cool properly or does not cool enough, a person may suffer a heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses can become serious or even life threatening if unattended.

What are the symptoms of heat-related illnesses?

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. The symptoms of the first stage include heat cramps in muscles. Heat cramps are muscle spasms that can occur after physical activity and can be very painful.

The signals of the second, more serious stage, often called heat exhaustion, include:

? Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity)

? Headache

? Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion

? Nausea

? The skin may or may not feel hot

Heat stroke is the last stage and most serious stage of health-related illnesses. At this stage, a person might have stopped sweating altogether and the skin may appear dry and hot. The pulse rate can be strong but very rapid and the person may find it hard to breathe. Body temperature could reach 103º Fahrenheit or higher. The person may be vomiting or may even lose consciousness altogether.

Who is at increased risk for heat-related illness?

? Anyone is at risk for heat-related illnesses.

? However, children and the elderly are at greater risk.

? In addition, people who are overweight, exercise strenuously outdoors, or take certain medications or use alcohol may be at higher risk.

What should you do if you are showing signs of heat-related illness?

1. Immediately get out of the sun to a shady or air conditioned area

2. Cool off by taking a cool bath or spray yourself with water

3. Drink water, but do not drink alcoholic beverages

4. Get medical assistance as soon as possible if symptoms persist

How should you protect yourself during high temperatures?

? Remember to keep cool and use common sense

? Drink water (consult your doctor if you

have fluid intake restrictions)

? Wear appropriate clothing

? Wear sunscreen

? Schedule outdoor activities carefully

? Pace yourself with strenuous physical exercise

? Stay in air-conditioned home or cooling centers

? Use a buddy system to help monitor those at

risk and have someone check up on you

What is the City of New Haven prepared to do in the event of extreme heat temperatures?

The City will open “cooling centers” for the public to provide relief from the heat. If cooling centers are opened, information about locations and hours of operation will be provided on the local news and on the City’s website at http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/.

For more information about heat-related illness or the City’s cooling centers, please contact Cristie Duric at 203-946-8457.